Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please.

They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work character. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are energetic, and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, both physically as well as mentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he saw a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche SchäFerhundwelpen Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and these traits continue to make the breed famous today. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks with only five repetitions, and follow the first command 95percent of the time.

The same traits make this breed a favorite family pet, as well as one of the best working dogs for military and police. If properly socialized and trained, these dogs are excellent companions for children and other pets. They are cautious around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.

Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.

Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize, especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if aren't certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of a majority of dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their credibility.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females tend to be smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, straight ears and a sharp stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are very smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians, and will watch over their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.

These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, therefore creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size, and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicates an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder to work with you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and pups. He or she will determine whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it to be pet for the family.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others, it should be interpreted as an indication. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grasp when being taken up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and have an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. The ears are broad and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways, such as herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and its upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different situations. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their remarkable abilities.

As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach expands, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine can break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump and a hunched back. pain when touched, and dragging the rear feet.

Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again but excessively can take away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.